New Delhi, January 19, 2017. Cuban Ambassador Oscar Israel Martinez Cordoves presented on January 18th his credentials to His Majesty the King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, in a very traditional and colourful ceremony, where credential letters were also presented by the concurrent Ambassadors of Pakistan, Switzerland and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
After the presentation of credentials there was an exchange of ambassadors with His Majesty the King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck where our Chief of Mission handed over a photo of the Commander in Chief dedicated to the King by Fidel Castro. In that photo appears his father and former King of Bhutan His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck on his visit to Cuba to participate in the 6th NAM Summit in 1979.
The Ambassador was then received by His Majesty in a private audience. He was also received by the Foreign Minister Mr. Lyonpo Dancho Dorji and later by the Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, in cordial and positive meetings. In particular, the Prime Minister expressed his admiration for Cuba and what our country has achieved in terms of health, education, social justice, sports and conservation of environment in Cuba. Tshering Tobgay said that Bhutan and Cuba must work together and show the world that there is a better alternative. “Health care must be free, it’s a human right,”
The Prime Minister also offered his condolences on the passing away of the President Fidel Castro Ruz. In which he added that Fidel Castro was an inspirational leader and a tall international figure and will be remembered for his legacy. He also thanked the government and people of Cuba for providing scholarships to Bhutanese students to study medicine and for fielding Cuban medical personnel to Bhutan.
In the evening, the Minister of Foreign Affairs offered a reception which was attended by members of the Government, parliamentarians and the small diplomatic corps accredited in that country, where the Chief of Cuban Mission had the opportunity to exchange with high personalities of the Government and the National Assembly of Bhutan.
Cuba and the Kingdom of Bhutan established official diplomatic relations in September 26th 2011. However, the relationship among both countries developed since 1979 when His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, The Fourth Druk Gyalpo visited Havana to attend the 6th NAM Summit. (Cubaminrex-Embacuba India).